FASHFEST News: Who is Belinda Riding?

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In 1986, Belinda Riding was just a Canberra Girls Grammar student when she was discovered as a model by choreographer Ken Moncrief. Her international modeling career taking off from there, she moved to beautiful Paris and went on to grace the cover of French Elle, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, German Vogue and Grazia, just to name a few. Throughout her highly successful career, she worked with the world’s premier designers, including Chanel, Hermes, Comme des Garcons and Missoni. Why am I telling you all this? Well, it was officially announced today that Belinda Riding has been anointed Face of Fashfest 2014 (taking over from Anneliese Seubert).  As the Face of Fashfest, we will see Belinda representing this four day event in the lead up, and we might also expect that she will walk down the runway in key looks from this year’s collections (I’m still having flashbacks of Anneliese in that unforgettable blue and gold Rockstars and Royalty number last year!).     ‘It’s an honour to participate in Fashfest,’ says Belinda. ‘Designers and models need a serious and professional platform like this to showcase their work, gain experience and flourish in the industry. That’s why it’s fantastic that Canberra now has Fashfest. It’s the biggest fashion event held here—our own version of Sydney Fashion Week, Melbourne Fashion Festival and Brisbane Fashion Festival.’   Fashfest 2014 will be held at the Canberra airport on 30 April to 3 May. This year will be even bigger and better than its inaugural year—more ticket sales; pre-assigned seating; new designers on board; fabulous musicians and DJs; VIP guests from here and interstate; retails scouting for labels to stock; and more.  Tickets will be on sale soon. And if it’s anything like last year, you’ll have to get in quick because they sell out fast! Find out more on www.fashfest.com.au!

Screw the Usual Fashion Show [Hustle & Scout x Haus Models Parade 2013]

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For all those who’ve ever thought that fashion parades are all the same, consider the following as me saying my piece. Saturday night’s inaugural Hustle & Scout Twilight Fashion Market at NewActon Nishi ended with a late night fashion show by Haus Models. Just like Hustle & Scout, and indeed Nishi itself, the show was youthful, self assured and ‘different’. It’s the kind of ‘different’ you get when you mix unlikely elements and get something refreshingly good, like peppermint oatmeal, train car hotels, and in this case, models in three dimensional animal masks. On the night, models of Haus Models play acted their woodland animal alter egos. They not so much walked the ‘cat walk’ as prowled, appearing from backstage as if wondering right in from the woods. Read on for more photos!

Why everyone is excited about the Isabel Marant x H&M collection

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Today the blogosphere is abuzz with the release of a H&M twitter photo of French designer Isabel Marant trying on one of her dresses for her collection for chain store H&M. For those of you who just joined us, you may be wondering what the heck is with all this excitement over this new H&M designer collaboration.

Canberra Fashionistas Represent on ASOS.com

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In May ASOS.com asked yours truly to be ACT’s representative in the ASOS State of Fashion Campaign, and fashionistas from each state were encouraged to upload a photo of their A/W look for a chance to win a $1000 ASOS wardrobe! It was so great to see all the entries from Canberra, showing the rest of the nation that Canberra is a stylish place. Read on to see my favourite entries and find out how you can participate!

Help From The Underground–get excited about thrifting

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Thrifting, op-shopping, charity shop chic – what ever you call it - it’s the art of discovering gems from people’s second hand clothing and helping the less fortunate at the same time. Canberra is one Australian city that has the art perfected, and this was demonstrated at the spectacular annual Help From The Underground charity fashion show, held in partnership between Zoo Advertising and the St Vincent de Paul Society. The concept: Six local designers who showed collections at FASHFEST in May) had to each source from Vinnies Warehouse six total looks that reflected their philosophy as a designer. This was, at least, the official line. But nothing could have prepared audiences for the looks that came down the runway on the night. Read on to find out more!

 

Canberra’s Independent Fashion Arrive at the Canberra Centre

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All independent designers dream of opening up their a boutique in a major shopping mall. For the first time in Canberra, this opportunity is being offered to Canberra’s up and coming fashion labels. CBR Collective officially opened at the Canberra Centre on 24 May 2013. This is one special boutique, where Canberra fashionistas will be able to get their hands on exclusive pieces produced by outstanding local labels, including those seen parading collections at FASHFEST in May. Read on to find out more!

Help From the Underground: Inside Information and the Pop-up Op Shop

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It’s just TWO DAYS away, and I’ve got some secret inside information about Canberra’s Help From The Underground op-shop fashion parade. Close to 400 people have RSVP’d for the event already and a packed house of 600 is expected. I got together with fellow Canberran bloggers to secretly plot a pop-up op shop to be held on the night! Read on to find out more!

 

Introducing: Shauna Hagan at Sustainable Threads

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This Thursday, six Canberra fashion designers passionate about sustainability in design, showed collections at the Sustainable Threads fashion show. While many of the designers previously participated FASHFEST in May, this year, Shauna Hagan (LOST) is new on the scene, and brings with her a unique point of view and a collection that every Canberra girl will surely be racing to get her hands on. Read on to find out more!

Secret Sneak Peek at the Canberra Sustainable Threads Fashion Show

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Sustainable Threads, to be held this Thursday, is the next big fashion event to hit Canberra this year, but this will not just be a fashion parade to showcase amazing local designers (or to drink champagne and hobnob). It will be a show to reflect an important movement in fashion, the incorporation of the concept of environmental sustainability in fashion design.  Tonight I was invited to take a secret look at what is to be expected at Sustainable Threads’ rehearsal.  Read on to find out more!

 

Jeans That Fit Your Shape

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Most women will have tried on hundreds of pairs of jeans in their lifetime – all in the hope of finding the perfect fit. However, without establishing your body type first, you’ll find it difficult to find jeans that fit well. By fitting well we mean hugging your figure in all the right places, elongating the legs, slimming the thighs and complementing the torso.

Long and Lean

If you boast longer limbs than the average individual, it’s important to find jeans with an inseam. If you are unable to afford a certain brand, buy into a high street label and take them to a tailor – a seamstress can work miracles on jeans of a longer length.

For Those with Curves

If you have curves, show them off to their full potential! On-trend washes in darker hues, such as the Bold Curve Straight Leg Levi Jeans, will work to minimise larger thighs. Straight leg styles are also easy to wear, making them extremely versatile.

A deep indigo shade creates a slimming effect while a straight leg keeps the look simple and sophisticated. When it comes to choosing your style, be wary of pockets. If you’re curvy, smaller pockets can have a negative effect – making you look larger than you actually are!

Hourglass

Hourglass figures possess a tiny waist and a wider hip. If this is your body shape, it is usually difficult to find jeans that fit both their hips and waist. The jeans will often appear tight at the hips and extremely loose at the waist.

One way to overcome this problem is to look for jeans that are made of a slightly stretchy denim fabric. Lower-rise jeans will flatter the hourglass figure by keeping the frame in proportion.

Slim and Petite

If you are slim and petite in size, both ankle-length cuts and floor skimming styles will create a lengthier torso. Avoid cropped cuts because they could shorten your figure. You may also want to consider, wearing bootcut denim jeans with heels as they add instant height.

 

What are your secrets for choosing jeans that fit your shape?

Luke Chiswell Collection Launch

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Featured! ASOS State of Fashion: Win a $1,000 ASOS wardrobe

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This month, yours truly was featured on ASOS for their State of Fashion campaign. With the vigour of an Olymic Games athlete and the gay abandon of a sartorial peacock, I proudly represented the fashionistas of ACT, battling it out with with eight bloggers from all over Australia. Read on to find out more about my winter look and how you can enter to win a $1,000 ASOS wardrobe!

Anthony Capon – a.concept at FASFEST Canberra 2013

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Perhaps my favourite collection at FASHFEST Canberra 2013, Anthony Capon presented a signature all black collection from his label, a.concept, consisting of 8 looks that traversed street and evening wear. The collection expertly exploits black with edgy layering, dramatic draping and texture, which was created with chunky black rope used as both embellishment and belting. The gowns were both edgy and classic, and I am completely infatuated with Anthony’s take on the moto jacket, which was reinvented with exaggerated collars and the addition of black chiffon. I want Every. Single. Piece. Read on for all the photos.

 

Interview with Miss World Australia 2013 Contestant, Canberra girl Brook Leslight

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Canberra girl and prospective medical student Brook Leslight was selected to be a Miss World Australia 2013 contestant last month. I had the opportunity to pick her brains about being a contestant, and found that Brook is an articulate and mature young woman with both beauty and capability. With her genuine passion for humanitarian work, Brook is sure to be a strong contender. As part of the selection process, Brook is holding a charity fashion show at Hotel Realm Ostani Bar on the 27th of April. Tickets are $30 and are on sale here. Will I see you there?

Read on for my interview with this future beauty queen.

FASHFEST Designer Feature–4 Minutes 33

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One of an impressive line-up of local designers to show their collection at Canberra’s FESHFEST on 1-4 May this year is enigmatically named label, 4 Minutes 33. Having kicked off their career by winning Debut Designers at Sydney Fashion Exposed in 2009, designers Gemma Jameson and Francesca Altenburg have continued to create infinitely versatile and layerable pieces to allow the wearer to let their creativity and individuality take the lead. It’s not a surprise that this successful duo have their pieces stocked in a number of boutiques in Australia and overseas. Styling just two pieces from 4 Minutes 33’s collection, I discovered this label’s flair for perfect basics. Read on to see how I styled these pieces four ways!

Women’s Clothing: What’s Hot for Spring Summer 2013

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Shopping for a new season can sometimes feel like a bit of a stab in the dark. What’s in? What’s wearable? What trends will suit you, your body, your personality and your lifestyle? Be led by this SS13 guide to the hottest trends across all women’s clothing and enjoy an easy new season shopping spree:

Clashing Prints

Throw out the rule book - it’s time to clash those prints! Forget florals however, that’s been done to death. Instead think bold stripes, graphic prints, cut out detailing and splashes of colour. This season’s clashing prints are sassy, sexy and confident. Wear for work or nights out and make a big impression.

 

Return of the Mac

Add a little Ooh La La to your wardrobe with a sophisticated mac. Perfect for the lighter, brighter weather that’s hopefully ahead, a classic mac is the perfect ‘pop on’ item for work and play. Choose a short mac for a playful look, a zipped mac for added sass, and an illusion panel mac for the ultimate flattering fit.

Tokyo Style

Cute and sweet, with a twist of feisty flirtiness, Tokyo style trends are girly and confident. Choose the cutest prints – hearts, bows and pastel animal prints – and wear with striped leggings or studded shorts. Add a baseball cap or a giant headband bow, wedge high tops and some funky nail wraps for the final fun, funky flourish.

Back to Boho

Forget the floaty florals, this year’s boho is taking a different look at the trend. Gypsy style tops are back in a big way, and look out for lace, embroidery and crochet detailing.
Peter Pan collars and lace peplum tops are two ways in which boho is taking a more structured approach. Wear with confidence for a polished yet lighthearted look that’s perfect for spring.

 

Bright and Beautiful

If you bought into the colour block trend last year then, great news, it’s back for another season! Clash red, green and blue for a standout look, or mix your brights in with black and monochrome pieces for a more pared down way to wear hot pops of clashing colour. Don’t be scared to add spots and stripes to your brights!

Animal Magic

You can’t go wrong with animal print, so indulge your wild side with some new season pieces for spring. Add colour or texture for a new spin on animal print, or be brave and bold with an animal print mac and tap into two trends for the price of one!

Add touches of animal print to your day wear – animal print shoes are a great buy! Or be bold after dark in an animal print blazer or bodycon dress – the perfect pieces for going on the prowl in!

Animal print by closetvoyage featuring lipsy dress

Have fun with fashion this spring summer season, and ensure your wardrobe is hot to trot with the latest women’s clothing trends. Spend some time trying different looks, then tap into the trends that suit you the best for failsafe spring style.